FAQs

DHCC’s published framework includes a Free Zone Limited Liability Company (FZ-LLC), a branch of a UAE company or establishment, and a branch of a foreign company.

No. UAE free zone companies fall within the corporate tax framework. A company meeting the conditions for Qualifying Free Zone Person status can benefit from 0% on qualifying income. Registration and other compliance obligations still need to be assessed.

Meydan offers a non-resident company setup route. However, company registration, residence status and bank account eligibility are separate matters. Confirm the requirements for the services you need before proceeding.

The standard package includes a flexi-desk arrangement, which can suit many eligible office-based businesses. Your activities and operational needs determine whether additional workspace or specialised premises are required.

The business setup cost of AED 12,500 includes a trade license, up to three business activity, and a flexi-desk arrangement. Visa capacity, residence visa processing and optional services can add to the total. Discuss with the business setup consultant in Dubai to get the detailed quote.

DHCC publishes an initial approval timeframe of 3–10 working days, subject to the activities and fulfilment of requirements. Full registration and operational readiness take additional time, particularly where clinical facilities and inspections are involved

Your premises must suit your approved activities. Clinical businesses need appropriate healthcare facilities, while eligible non-clinical businesses may use commercial offices or other approved workspaces. ‍‍‍‍‍‍‍‍

No. Company registration and a commercial licence do not, by themselves, authorise clinical practice. The required healthcare licences, facility permissions and professional approvals must also be obtained.

No. Approved non-clinical activities also cover areas such as healthcare support, education, wellness, retail and hospitality. Your precise activity must be checked for eligibility.

Yes. DHCC allows full foreign ownership for eligible clinical and non-clinical businesses, subject to the requirements for the selected activities.

A mainland company should assess its Corporate Tax registration and filing obligations from the outset.

No. Fujairah mainland, Fujairah Free Zone and Creative City are separate setup routes. Their licensing arrangements and operating requirements differ. Your choice should reflect your activity and how you intend to run the business.

Mainland businesses generally require a physicalbusiness address. The location and type of facility should meetthe relevant authority’s requirements. Ask us to check suitability beforesigning a tenancy agreement.

Many mainland activities allow full foreign ownership. However, strategic activities and other restricted categories have specific conditions. Confirm eligibility for your chosen activity and structure before proceeding.

Fujairah Municipality provides economiclicensing services through its Rukhsati platform, including licence issuance,renewal, amendments and trade name reservation.

Individuals publishing advertising content on social media need to assess the permit requirement, including where no financial payment is received.

Manufacturing operations require premises suitable for the approved activity and production process. The appropriate facility could depend on machinery, storage, utilities, safety and environmental requirements.

A commercial licence authorises the trading activities listed on the licence. It commonly covers buying and selling goods through retail, wholesale, import, export or distribution, according to the approved activity scope.

Bank account eligibility depends on the bank's compliance requirements, your residency status, income, activity and documentation. Holding a freelance permit does not automatically guarantee account approval.

No. Permit holders must still follow media content standards and obtain any additional approvals required for particular advertisements or regulated activities.

Official conditions require the permit number to be clearly displayed on the relevant social media accounts. Advertising must be published through accounts registered and linked to the permit.

The published requirement includes advertising content provided without financial compensation.

There is a separate Visiting Advertiser Permit route. Applications must follow the requirements for an accredited advertising or talent-management agency.

Official guidance provides a three-year permit fee exemption for UAE citizens and residents.

Yes. A freelance permit concerns independent professional work, while a part-time work permit concerns an employment arrangement with an establishment.

You can undertake client work within your approved activities and the conditions of your selected programme.

Yes, you can apply for a freelance permit while employed. However , requirements may include a declaration, an NOC or other supporting documents.

Freelance programmes may cover selected activities in media, design, technology, education and other professional fields. Confirm that your intended services match an approved activity before applying.‍

Dahhan Business Services provides industrial license support in Dubai to help coordinate the applicable steps.‍

MoIAT’s Industrial Registry covers manufacturing establishments within its scope, including businesses in free zones and specialised zones.

You need premises suitable for your approved manufacturing operations.

Dubai mainland industrial business licensing is administered through the Dubai Department of Economy and Tourism (DET).

Businesses conducting manufacturing or industrial production generally require an appropriate industrial license.

Yes. Our team can assist with renewal preparation and proposed amendments, including changes to activities or company details, according to the authority’s requirements and agreed service scope.

This depends on activity compatibility and licensing authority approval. Confirm the exact activities before assuming one licence will cover all your proposed products and operations.

The cost depends on the activities, legal structure, premises, approvals and services required. Request an itemised quotation that distinguishes licence charges from office, immigration, residency and consultancy costs.

Dubai mainland business licensing is administered through the Dubai Department of Economy and Tourism (DET). Free zone businesses apply through their respective licensing authorities.

No automatic exemption applies simply because a company is registered offshore. Corporate Tax registration, filing and tax obligations must be assessed under the applicable UAE rules and the company’s circumstances. Compliance obligations may apply even where no tax is payable.

No. A standalone RAK ICC offshore company does not sponsor UAE residence visas. If you need UAE residency alongside your business setup, our consultants can help you assess suitable mainland or free zone options.

The incorporation timeline depends on document readiness, compliance checks and registry approval. Our team provides an estimated schedule after reviewing your requirements. Corporate bank account opening is a separate process with its own timeline.

A RAK ICC company can apply for a corporate bank account, subject to the bank’s eligibility criteria and compliance checks. Incorporation does not guarantee approval. Dahhan Business Services assists with application preparation and supporting documents.

Choose your business activity, select a jurisdiction, register your trade name, obtain initial approvals, and apply for a trade license.

Dahhan Business Services is a trusted consultancy offering business setup in Dubai specialize in providing expert guidance, transparent pricing, and end-to-end support for company formation.

The proposed branch activities are reviewed as part of the licensing process and should be supported by the parent company's corporate and activity documents. Activities also remain subject to the UAE authority responsible for licensing that particular business.

The timeline depends on the selected free zone, activity, shareholder profile, document readiness and external approvals. Some straightforward licence applications may be processed within a few working days, while regulated or more complex applications can take longer.

Yes. Dubai free zone companies generally allow 100% foreign ownership, subject to the applicable regulations and activity requirements.

The right free zone depends on your business activity, target market, visa requirements, workspace needs and budget. A consultant can compare suitable options based on your operating model rather than recommending a single free zone for every business.

Yes, if your selected licence package includes visa eligibility. The number of visas available may depend on the package, facility and free zone rules.

No. Bank account approval is subject to the bank’s compliance checks, business activity, shareholder profile, source of funds and supporting documents. Dahhan can assist with preparation and coordination, but the final decision belongs to the bank.

Depending on your requirements, the next steps may include establishment card processing, residence visas, Emirates ID applications, bank account applications, tax registration, accounting setup and operational approvals.

Not automatically. A company may qualify for a 0% Corporate Tax rate on qualifying income only when the required conditions are met. Corporate Tax registration, filing and record-keeping obligations may still apply.

The permitted operating model depends on the company’s activity and the applicable regulations. Certain mainland transactions may require an authorised distributor, branch, additional permit or another approved arrangement.

Not always. Some free zones offer flexi-desk, shared workspace or virtual-office-style packages. Other activities may require a dedicated office, warehouse or specialised facility.

Many incorporation steps can be completed remotely, depending on the free zone and shareholder profile. Physical presence may still be required for immigration, medical, Emirates ID or banking procedures.

Yes. The Green Visa for freelancers is available to qualifying freelancers and self-employed individuals who satisfy the applicable permit, educational and financial requirements.

There is no personal income tax on freelance earnings in the UAE. However, freelancers may need to register for VAT if turnover exceeds the mandatory threshold, and corporate tax rules should be reviewed based on your specific activity and income level.

If your business grows beyond an individual freelance structure, you can explore establishing a professional company suitable for additional activities, employees, partners or future expansion.

Yes, eligible licensed businesses can hire employees after completing the required labour and immigration registrations and obtaining the necessary work permits.

Premises requirements vary according to the activity, company structure and licensing jurisdiction. For Dubai mainland businesses, appropriate business premises and tenancy documentation may be required.

Eligible business owners can apply for the appropriate residence visa after completing the required company and immigration procedures. Discuss with Dahhan Business Services for more info.‍

More than one compatible business activity may be included under a licence where permitted by the licensing authority.

Requirements depend on the activity and legal structure. Since many mainland activities permit full foreign ownership, a UAE shareholder is not automatically required for every Professional License setup.

Many Dubai mainland activities allow 100% foreign ownership. However, ownership eligibility should be confirmed for the exact activity and legal structure before proceeding.

Consultants, technology professionals, designers, trainers, specialists and other eligible service providers may require a Professional License depending on the exact activity they intend to conduct.

A Professional License is a Dubai business licence intended for approved professional service activities based primarily on an individual's professional, intellectual, technical or creative expertise.

The UAE Green Residence for qualifying freelancers and self-employed professionals is valid for five years and is renewable, subject to satisfying the required conditions.

Office or workspace requirements depend on the type of freelance permit and issuing authority. Some freelance structures have more flexible workspace requirements than traditional companies.

Freelancers generally provide independent services to clients rather than being employees of those clients. The work you perform must remain within the activities permitted under your freelance approval.

Eligible individuals can undertake freelance work without being sponsored by a traditional employer. Certain UAE residence categories, including the Green Residence for qualifying freelancers and self-employed professionals, are also based on self-sponsorship.

Yes. Once the company documents are issued, it can apply for a UAE corporate bank account.

A Dubai mainland LLC can generally conduct its licensed activities across the UAE, subject to industry regulations, local permits and any activity-specific restrictions.

A mainland LLC generally requires an approved commercial address and Ejari registration.

Yes. A single individual or legal entity can establish a one-person limited liability company, provided the licensing and activity requirements are met.

A UAE national majority shareholder is no longer required for many mainland activities.

Yes. Foreign investors can own 100% of many mainland LLCs in Dubai. However, businesses carrying out activities considered to have strategic impact may be subject to additional ownership conditions or regulatory approvals.

LLC means Limited Liability Company. It is a separate legal business structure in which the shareholders’ liability is generally limited to their respective capital contributions

Holding companies in Dubai benefit from: 0% corporate and personal income tax No capital gains tax Access to double taxation treaties with over 130 countries Some free zones also offer industry-specific incentives.

The cost typically ranges between AED 15,000 and AED 50,000, depending on your choice of jurisdiction (mainland, free zone or offshore), company type, and business requirements. Dahhan Business Services offers transparent pricing and will recommend the most cost-effective and compliant setup for your objectives.

A holding company is a legal entity that owns shares in other companies, rather than directly engaging in commercial activities. Dubai offers compelling reasons to establish one—including 0% taxes, asset protection, and access to global markets through robust infrastructure and free zones.

The right structure depends on your goals, business model, and assets. Common options include: Free Zone Limited Liability Company (FZ-LLC) – ideal for flexibility and full foreign ownership Offshore Company – suited for international holdings without local operations Our experts at Dahhan will assess your needs and guide you to the most effective structure.

Yes. A UAE holding company can legally own international subsidiaries, property, and intellectual property. Dubai’s strong legal framework and treaty network make it an ideal base for global asset structuring and expansion.

A branch operates as an extension of its parent company rather than as an independently owned subsidiary. This means the choice between a branch and LLC/subsidiary should be considered carefully from both legal and tax perspectives.

No. Current UAE Commercial Companies Law does not generally require a foreign company branch to appoint a UAE national agent.

Yes. A foreign company can establish a branch in Dubai after obtaining the required licences, approvals and registrations. For mainland foreign branches, Ministry of Economy and Tourism and relevant Dubai licensing procedures may apply.

A properly licensed branch may conduct the business activities authorised under its UAE licence. This differs from a representative office, which is restricted from carrying on commercial activity under the Commercial Companies Law.

The timeline depends mainly on document preparation, attestation, licensing authority approvals and the business activity. Individual Ministry procedures may take around one to three working days once a complete application reaches that particular stage, but the full company setup process takes longer.

There is no single fixed total because costs depend on licensing, activity, premises, approvals, document attestation and visas. The Ministry currently lists AED 3,500 for initial approval and AED 7,500 for its foreign branch registration service, with additional Dubai licensing and setup expenses applying.

Applicants generally need to show a bank statement with a balance of at least $4,000 USD maintained over the past 6 months. Dahhan Business Services reviews your documentation before submission to reduce the chance of rejection.

Dahhan Business Services ensures your application is accurately prepared from the start to avoid these delays.

No. This visa is self-sponsored, meaning you can apply independently without needing a UAE-based company or individual to sponsor your application — a key advantage over standard visit visas.

The visa allows unlimited entries over its 5-year validity. Each visit permits a stay of up to 90 days, which can be extended once for a further 90 days — giving up to 180 days per year in the UAE.

All nationalities can apply for the 5 years multiple entry visa UAE, though final approval rests with GDRFA.

Yes — once annual taxable turnover crosses AED 375,000, 5% VAT registration becomes mandatory, same as any other UAE mainland entity

Generally, yes — licensing, office rent, and visa costs in Ajman tend to run lower than equivalent Dubai mainland setups, while trading rights remain the same UAE-wide.

Packages typically start from AED 7,999+, with the final cost shaped by your activity, office type, and visa count. Get a tailored quote from our consultants in under a minute.

Yes — mainland licenses carry nationwide trading rights across all seven emirates, not just the emirate that issued them.

No — most commercial and professional activities in Ajman now permit 100% foreign ownership without a local sponsor.

You can open a business bank account by submitting your trade license, company documents, and KYC details to a UAE bank.

Some business types require a physical office, but many free zones offer flexi-desk or virtual office options.

You can obtain an investor or partner visa by establishing a company in Dubai, allowing residency for up to 3 years with multiple entry privileges.